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A geographic information system, or GIS, is a computerized data management system used to capture, store, manage, retrieve, analyze, and display spatial information. - neers.noaa.gov

Hi all, I've been asked to return for a second interview for an entry level GIS position at a mid-sized consulting company. During the first interview, which was conducted by the dept. manager and a partner, they asked a wide range of the expected technical/experience questions. I did not know there would be a second interview as part of the hiring process, but at the end of our meeting they informed me they would like me to return for an interview with HR.

I spoke with a secretary to schedule the interview a few days ago and she informed me the interview was actually with the same two individuals who first interviewed me, plus another partner. This sounds more intense than the first interview! I'm not really sure how to prepare for this interview as they've already talked to me for over an hour and asked all the questions I expected/prepared for. I have also been completing a project for them over the last several months as part of of a practicum program, so they are familiar with my capabilities and work ethic.

It hasn't been mentioned yet but the "second interview" might actually be a salary negotiation. I would be ready with numbers just in case. I wouldn't be cocky like you already have the job but it definitely wont hurt to be prepared if they start throwing out numbers. Remember, never give them a number first. If they give you a number and you don't know how to respond you can thank them and say that you want to think about it and will get back to them in X amount of hours/days.

I was once invited to an in person interview after two phone interviews. It was fairly informal and an offer was presented at the end. Sometimes they just want to ask you a few more questions before actually extending the offer.

No worries. I think the key is to not expect an offer but at the same time always be ready for one.

Salary negotiation is always difficult and, as disclaimer, I have both stupidly accepted a low ball first offer and overplayed my hand by trying to negotiate for too much at different points. One tactic you could try is to ask them the range they are offering or a typical salary range for this level of job. Then pick a more narrow range and say "well i was hoping for an offer range X-Y." After this, it will probably be extremely awkward if they keep pushing for you to say a number. I'll actually go back on my original advice - if they keep pushing at this point i would just pick a number in that range that you are satisfied with.

This is kind of a general piece of interview advice rather than GIS specific but I once got a job because I was the only one of the candidates that took any notes during the interview. Making some notes shows you're engaged and also lends weight to any promises you may make about learning about an area you are unfamiliar with but the post may demand.

In my experience, when there are two interviews, the first tends to be more technical/experience based, and the second is getting to know how you fit within the company...So more situational and personality questions ( for example, do you lead or take direction from others? how do you motivate yourself? what kind of work environment suits you? etc..)

I had a GIS type interview last year with two GIS people and one HR person. The GIS peeps asked me tech questions and the HR person asked me a slew of behavioural questions. They want to get to know you in a non-technical way.

I've never been in that situation but I think standard job interview recommendations apply. Try to be be relaxed, you know what you know and you don't know what you don't know. You aren't going to learn anything significant before the interview.

With that said, do your research on the interviewers, if you haven't. Being able to connect with them on work they've done, or the types of work they're interested in could set you apart.

Explain that you are eager to learn if there is something you don't know, assuming you are.

If the interviewers are doing their part, a major portion of this process is to see how you would fit into the company both on a skill/knowledge level and how you might fit into the office dynamics. Maybe they have a feeling for this since you've worked with them some, but either way the less nervous you are the better off you'll be.

You've made it this far so presumably you're well qualified and you have a great shot. That doesn't mean someone more qualified isn't competing with you. All you can really do is put your best foot forward.

Did they ask those generica HR questions about delivering at place, working as a team?, proud moments? I recently had a two stange interview the first focus on my general skills the seconds on technical.

my guess is it's something like this (since i do GIS for an engineering firm): the guys who interviewed you thought you (maybe others, maybe just you?) were good, and another boss-type person was interested, and they just want his two cents before they flat-out give you an job offer. it'll probably be more legit this time, like talking about salary expectations (think this through!) and what working there will actually be like for you, like what projects they'll put you on etc. Just be ready for anything and keep in mind they're seriously considering hiring you!